St Andrew’s School at Walkerville investigating principal Jackie Becher over complaint

St Andrew’s primary school in Walkerville has moved to reassure parents after news of an investigation related to its recently appointed boss became public.

The principal at St Andrew’s School in Walkerville is being investigated by the school board after a complaint, a union leader says.

Independent Education Union SA secretary Glen Seidel said he understood the St Andrew’s School board was investigating a complaint about Jackie Becher, who moved into the role last year.

The school has acknowledged it is dealing with “concerns” that have been raised about the principal but the complaint does not relate to student safety.

Mr Seidel said: “We’ve been advising people (union members) that there’s a process in place and if you’ve got something to say, you feed into that process.”

Mr Seidel understood former senior deputy president of the Fair Work Commission Matthew O’Callaghan – also previously the deputy president of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission – was involved in the investigation.

“I imagine his role would be investigating to then give the board a report and possibly some advice,” he said.

St Andrew's School principal Jackie Becher, reported to be the subject of a complaint. Picture: St Andrew’s School.

The school did not answer direct questions about the issue, but after Advertiser.com.au published a story about the investigation, it wrote to parents on Thursday evening and sent the same correspondence to the paper.

“The board is currently dealing with concerns which have been raised about the principal,” school board chairwoman Peta St Clair said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, these concerns do not relate to student safety.”

Ms St Clair said the school welcomed concerns and feedback from all members of its community so it could improve as an organisation.

She said in the first instance, concerns should be directed “to the appropriate staff member at the school”, in accordance with family code of conduct guidelines.

“As is the case in all independent schools, where concerns are raised about the actions or decisions of the principal, it is appropriate these be dealt with by the board,” Ms St Clair said.

“As with any workplace matter, the school does not comment on specific concerns that are raised.

“The board is committed to following a proper process that provides procedural fairness to all parties and ensures any outcomes are in the best interests of the school and students.”

Ms St Clair said Ms Becher would continue to perform her duties.

“The board has established interim arrangements, that include confidentiality, pending the outcome of the board’s process,” she said.

She said the board would share further information “when it is appropriate”.

“In the meantime, I ask and thank the St Andrew’s School community for your discretion as we work through this process,” Ms St Clair said.

Ms Becher grew up in Western Australia, where she began her teaching career.

She has worked in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahrain and Japan, and most recently was executive director of pedagogy at Eton House International School and Preschool in Shanghai.

St Andrew’s charges $22,890 for year 6 students to attend and $16,880 for prep pupils, according to The Good Schools Guide website.

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Artist's impression of the new Bright Futures Centre at St Andrew's School at Walkerville. Picture: St Andrew's